Chemical Peel

What to expect

During your initial consultation, it’s important that you discuss your expectations with your doctor. The procedure will be explained in detail, including its risks and benefits, the recovery period, and the costs. If you have a history of herpes, you should inform your doctor prior to the procedure.

You will also discuss with your doctor which type of chemical peel is right for you:

You will be instructed on how to prepare for your peel treatment. Sometimes Retin-A, a prescription medication derived from vitamin A, is used to pretreat the skin. This thins out the skin’s surface layer, allowing the solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly. If your skin won’t tolerate Retin-A pretreatment, an AHA cream may be used instead. You may have to spend a month or more in the pretreatment phase before your doctor will schedule your actual peel.

During treatment, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed. Then, your doctor will apply the chemical solution to your face. You may feel a stinging sensation during application. The application process generally takes about 10-15 minutes. You may need multiple treatments before the desired effects are achieved.

Recovery after treatment

After an AHA peel, you may experience some temporary flaking, scaling, redness, and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment. After a TCA or phenol peel, your doctor may prescribe a mild pain medication to relieve any tingling or throbbing you may feel. If you’re given pain medication for the procedure, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.

If tape was used to cover your face, it will be removed after a day or two. A crust or scab will form on the treated area. To help your face heal properly, it’s essential that you follow your doctor’s specific post-treatment instructions.

With a TCA peel, the discomfort and swelling you may experience will subside within the first week. In about one week to 10 days, your new skin will be apparent and you should be healed sufficiently to return to normal activities.

With a phenol peel, new skin will begin to form in about 7 to 10 days. Your face will be very red at first, gradually fading to a pinkish color over the following weeks to months. About two weeks after treatment, you may return to work and resume some of your normal activities. Your skin will be healed enough for you to wear makeup.

Protecting your skin from the sun is important following any of these chemical peels. Ask your doctor to recommend a sunblock with adequate UVA and UVB protection and use it every day.